Red, white, and blue… the Fourth of July celebrations are almost here, and this festive Tennessee twist is ready to take center stage. If you’re looking for one of the best 4th of July cocktail recipes, this colorful Tennessee moonshine cocktail is perfect for backyard barbecues, fireworks, and gathering with the people you love. With bright summer flavors and beautiful layers, it’s one of our favorite red, white, and blue 4th of July drinks. Best of all, one meaningful ingredient gives this festive cocktail a story worth sharing.
The Tennessee Twist Behind This 4th of July Cocktail
Every signature recipe has one ingredient that makes it unforgettable, and this colorful Tennessee moonshine cocktail is no exception. Sugarlands Sour Blue Raspberry Moonshine gives this 4th of July cocktail recipe its naturally vibrant blue color and sweet-tart raspberry flavor—no blue curaçao required. The result is one of our favorite red, white, and blue drinks, bringing an authentic Tennessee twist to your collection of festive 4th of July drinks.
A Cocktail with a Meaningful Story
This festive cocktail is more than beautiful layers and refreshing summer flavor. Sugarlands created its Sour Blue Raspberry Moonshine in partnership with Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.
As we gather to celebrate our nation’s independence, it’s a meaningful reminder to honor the men and women who have served our country and the families who continue to sacrifice alongside them. We couldn’t imagine a more fitting Tennessee ingredient for this 4th of July cocktail recipe.
Let’s Mix Up the Star-Spangled Shine 4th of July Cocktail
Ready to make it? Here’s everything you need to layer up this red, white, and blue cocktail stunner. Grab your ingredients and let’s get mixing.
Star-Spangled Shine
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Run a lemon wedge around half the rim of a highball glass. Dip the rim into coarse white sanding sugar until evenly coated.
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the Sugarlands Sour Blue Raspberry Moonshine.
- Add the lemonade and stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the inside of the glass or over the back of a spoon. Let it settle naturally to create the red, white, and blue layered effect.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel, fresh blueberries, and a mini American flag pick, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.
Notes
- Chill the glass before adding the white sugared rim.
- Pour the grenadine slowly for the best layered effect.
- Ole Smoky Sour Razzin’ Berry makes a great substitute.
- Hosting a crowd? Mix the moonshine and lemonade ahead, then add grenadine to each glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel, blueberries, and a mini flag pick.
- Please enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Where to Find This Blue Rasberry Moonshine
You can find Sugarlands Sour Blue Raspberry Moonshine at Sugarlands Distilling Company in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. If you’re not visiting the Smokies, check Sugarlands’ website to find a retailer near you or see whether online ordering is available in your area.
Make This July 4th Cocktail Party Ready
Hosting a Fourth of July party? Mix the moonshine and lemonade ahead of time, then refrigerate until well chilled. When you’re ready to serve, pour the blue mixture over ice and finish each drink with a slow splash of grenadine for the signature layered effect.
Party Batch (Serves 12)
- 3 cups Sugarlands Sour Blue Raspberry Moonshine
- 6 cups lemonade
- 6 oz grenadine (½ oz per drink)
🌲 Trekkn Tip: Prep your serving glasses before guests arrive! Rim plastic cups or mason jars with white sanding sugar, then chill them in the refrigerator.
Tennessee Whiskey Twist
Prefer whiskey over moonshine? Simply swap the blue moonshine for 2 ounces of your favorite Tennessee whiskey to create a richer cocktail with smooth vanilla and caramel notes. The lemonade and grenadine still make a refreshing summer drink, although you’ll trade the signature blue color for a beautiful sunset-inspired finish.
→ Explore Our Favorite Tennessee Whiskeys
🌲 Trekkn Tip: While you’re mixing up the Star-Spangled Shine, surprise the little trekkers with one of our festive 4th of July drinks for kids. → Explore 3 Fun 4th of July Drinks for Little Trekkers.
Cheers to a Happy Fourth of July!
Whether you’re spending the day with family, grilling with friends, or watching fireworks under the summer sky, we hope the Star-Spangled Shine adds a little extra fun to your celebration. Here’s to great memories, meaningful moments, and celebrating the freedoms we enjoy together.
If festive 4th of July drinks are part of your holiday, please enjoy them responsibly and never drink and drive.
Happy Trekkn’, Friends! 😊🧡🌲
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